Media Statements

Courts of Law Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament

13 May 2016

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is pleased to announce the introduction of the Courts of Law Amendment Bill in Parliament yesterday.

The Bill seeks to amend the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944 in order to address abuses in the emoluments attachment order (EAO) system and to amend the Superior Courts Amendment Act, 2013 so as to provide for the rescission of judgments with the consent of the judgment creditor in the High Court. 

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Michael Masutha indicated that the proposed legislation will help to protect consumers and debtors and to respond to weaknesses that prevail in terms of debt collection. “The amendments are intended to alleviate the plight of debtors who find themselves at the receiving end of abuses in the debt collecting system in our magistrates’ courts,” said Minister Michael Masutha. 

Public hearings on the Bill will be conducted by Parliament to solicit further inputs.

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development  
Enquiries: Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Correctional services
0836418141
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za